Olympic luge competitors were nervously waiting to see if the Whistler Sliding
Centre would be re-opened, and under what conditions, following the tragic
death of Georgian competitor Nodar Kumaritashvili in final training on
Friday.

Fighting back the tears: IOC president Jacques Rogge struggles to contain his emotions following the death of Nodar KumaritashviliPhoto: EPA

Following a spate of crashes and near misses on the treacherous course, several of the teams were reluctant to support any Olympic competition – due to start at 5pm Saturday Canadian time - without significant modifications to the track.

The track, which opened in 2007 was originally altered because of dangerous pitches and speeds, but it still had a notorious reputation as the fastest and the most steep. Up until Kumaritashvili’s death there had been nearly a dozen crashes in Olympic training, including the very experienced two-time Olympic gold medalist Armin Zoeggeler.

Late on Friday night it was still unclear when the competition would go ahead, with investigations being conducted by the World Luge Federation. The British Columbia Coroners Service will also make a determination whether there will be a public inquest or an internal inquiry.

British luge competitor AJ Rosen said he was shaken, but confident that the organisers would have the athletes safety as a priority. Rosen had dislocated his hip last October on the same Whistler course.

‘’As with most sports, we are a family in luge, so a sudden and tragic loss such as this impacts everyone deeply,’’ he said. ‘’As athletes, we know that the international federation, the IOC and VANOC have no higher priority than ensuring our safety, on and off the field of play.

"I know they are looking into this and, should it be deemed necessary for them to introduce additional measures, they will do so. Right now, my thoughts and prayers are with Nodar’s family, friends and team-mates.’’

The Georgian delegation spokesman, Irakly Japaridze, told the New York Times on Friday night that the entire team was paralysed.

"We are all in deep shock, we don't know what to do," he said. "We don't know whether to take part in the opening ceremonies or even the Olympic Games themselves."